As someone on the list, here’s a moderating view against to the popular take of narcissists campaigning to get on the list (which definitely has some truth to it).

I made no attempt to get on the list and didn’t even find out I was on the shortlist until I received a questionnaire asking for more information. Filled it out while commuting to work and forgot about it.

Didn’t hear back from Forbes at any point and only found out I made it when someone messaged me to congratulate me the day it was published.

Still don’t know who nominated me. Never bothered to ask.

Similar to another commenter, it has been useful given I have a degree from a relatively unknown University in Australia. Maybe it’ll be more counterproductive now? Who knows…